Arizona looks for economic boost from football playoff, other events

The College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 11 is the next in a line of major sports events coming to the Phoenix area that has the potential to have both short- and long-term effects for the state financially.

College Football playoff photo

College Football Playoff will turn downtown Phoenix into pigskin wonderland

Phoenix has had a little over 300 days to relax since Super Bowl XLIX packed up and left town in early February. But in January, a similar pigskin spectacle will return to Phoenix when the College Football Playoff National Championship Game turns downtown into a college football wonderland.

College Football Playoff photo

Arizona continues to build impressive resume of major events, eyes more in the future

GLENDALE — In the middle of a three-year run that includes the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, College Football Playoff National Championship and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the Greater Phoenix area has established itself as a major player in the battle to host the biggest national and international sporting events.

Brad Wright photo

College Football Playoff National Championship using Super Bowl XLIX as blueprint

Organizers of the College Football Playoff National Championship are using Super Bowl XLIX as a blueprint as they prepare for events surrounding their game, scheduled Jan. 11 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Super Bowl photo

Trail building expert: Phoenix ‘becoming premier winter hiking destination in the US’

In January 2013, the city of Phoenix shut down one of its busiest hiking spots because it was too popular.

Hiking North Mountain photo

Themed races drive running participation to record highs

The sun was rising on April 16, 2005, but Perry Edinger and a team of about a dozen men and women had been awake for hours — all night, in fact. Among the final touches they were putting on the inaugural Pat’s Run was a last-minute trip to the T-shirt printer to pick up an additional 500 shirts, just in case there was a walk-up crowd.

Running photo

Health concerns, increasing costs and competitiveness engender evolution in Arizona youth sports

Children not that far removed from learning to walk are bouncing and shooting basketballs through Hula Hoops instead of a rim at Beginners Edge Sports Training.

Youth hockey photo

Soccer’s success in Arizona validated by international events, youth soccer expansion

The announcement that the Copa America Centenario would bring international soccer matches to the Valley next summer was cheered by local officials who believe the powerhouse tournament will foster the development of the sport in Arizona.

Youth soccer photo

Performance-tracking technology makes its way into youth sports

When Dave Dengerink arrived at Texas Rush Soccer Club in Spring, Texas, as the youth soccer academy’s director of coaching and player development three years ago, he knew the kids possessed intangibles and skills few across the country owned.

Julie Johnston playing soccer

Playing multiple sports can prevent young athletes from burning out

Madison Woolgare balances two sports as a sophomore at Desert Vista High School, competitive cheer and swimming.

Coltin Gerhart photo

Arizona is fastest growing state for youth hockey participation

According to USA Hockey's 2014-15 annual report, Arizona is the fastest growing state for youth hockey. Cronkite News reporter Rebecca Winn found out what factors may be contributing to the sudden growth of the sport in the Valley.

Youth hockey photo

Diamondbacks new uniforms an attempt to draw in younger demographic

The Arizona Diamondbacks have shed their skin for the second time in franchise history. On Thursday night at Chase Field, the Diamondbacks unveiled seven brand-new bold uniforms with designs that are a clear nod to a younger demographic and the next generation of Diamondbacks baseball.